THE WAY OF THE DODO? THE FATE OF 21ST CENTURY NATURAL HISTORY COLLECTIONS AND THE STATE OF COLLECTIONS ADVOCACY IN EXHIBITS
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Authors
Baldwin-Corriveau, Katharine Baldwin-Corriveau
Issue Date
2014
Type
Capstone
Language
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Modern natural history museums tend to function under a tri-fold mission - one of research and scholarship, one of collections preservation, and one of public education. That said, over the past century a slow evolution has been taking place, as primary functions of specimen research and preservation are overtaken by a push to be more visitor-centered institutions. The adoption of myriad new functions from social work to environmental activism, now appended to the missions of many natural history museums, are increasing their involvement in the community and accountability to the well-being of our planet.
In a rapidly changing and increasingly resource-depleted world, the long-term datasets and specimens held in natural history museum collections have arguably never been more important - for instance, by providing a critical and entirely irreplaceable tool for unraveling the ecological consequences of climate change and tracking the spread of infectious disease. Though their scientific and societal value is well understood by natural history collections professionals and scientists, natural history museums have had limited success in transferring this profound appreciation for collections and associated research to museum visitors and other public audiences. As a result, there exists a growing disconnect between how scientists and visitors view natural history collections, and this lack of awareness and interest may be leading to a decline in resources and funding opportunities for critical natural history collection growth, maintenance and research.